Big, big changes for iPhone

Big, big changes for iPhone users: Apple for the first time is allowing sideloaded apps and alternative app stores; alternative tap-to-pay payment systems; alternative default browsers and rendering engines; and streaming games in the App Store.

But there’s some big catches: Everything except streaming games is restricted to EU users, and most of these changes are subject to significant restrictions.

For example, you can sideload whatever app you like — as long as Apple pre-approves it first!

Also in today’s newsletter:

Stolen Device Protection has just been released, but you have to set it up yourself: Here’s how and why you’ll want to do it.
Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones are as good or better than Apple’s AirPods Max, and a lot cheaper. Now they’re up to $100 off.
New firmware for AirPods is out; here’s how to check you have it.
Now that it’s been nominated for ‘Best Picture’ at the Oscars, Killers of the Flower Moon is back in theaters for a victory lap.
Juuk’s Vitero Appel Watch bands are excellent straps that compare to Apple’s best bands, but at a fraction of the price.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Apple is bringing sideloading and alternate app stores to iPhone

EU developers now have the rules for installing application that don't go through the App Store, but sideloading won't be the free-for-all some had hoped.

www.cultofmac.com/844329/apple-iphone-sideloading-rules-eu-preapproval-alternative-app-marketplaces

iPhone App Store change allows streaming games and mini apps

To the relief of developers worldwide, Apple will allow iOS game streaming apps in the App Store, among other changes.

www.cultofmac.com/844312/app-store-now-allows-game-streaming-apps

Apple will allow alternative browser defaults and engines in EU

Apple is opening up iOS to alternative browsers and browser engines; but only in the EU.

www.cultofmac.com/844313/apple-will-allow-alternative-browsers-and-browser-engines-in-eu

^{A message from Cult of Mac deals team}

Slash up to $100 off top Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones

AirPods Max too pricey? Right now you can get Sennheiser's acclaimed Momentum 4 cans for as much as $100 off at $280.

www.cultofmac.com/844263/slash-up-to-100-off-top-sennheiser-noise-canceling-headphones

Apple opens iPhone tap-to-pay to third parties in EU

Get ready for Apple Pay alternatives -- at least if you live in the European Union. Apple green-lights tap-to-pay for third parties.

www.cultofmac.com/844337/iphone-tap-to-pay-third-parties-eu

iPhone becomes China's top-selling smartphone for first time

Just as it dominated the global market in 2023, iPhone became China's favorite smartphone with 17.3% of the market.

www.cultofmac.com/844237/iphone-becomes-chinas-top-selling-smartphone-for-first-time

^{A message from Cult of Mac Store}

Blaze your own trail with a Juuk Vitero Apple Watch band

Inspired by vintage race cars, Juuk Vitera is a high-end aluminum Apple Watch band that sports a very aggressive "Y" link design.

www.cultofmac.com/785544/blaze-your-own-trail-with-a-juuk-vitero-apple-watch-band

Apple might grab TSMC’s entire 2nm chip output

TSMC is on course to make the first 2nm processors, and all of the initial supply might go to Apple for iPhone and Mac.

www.cultofmac.com/844260/apple-2nm-tsmc-chip-output-2025

How and why to use iPhone Stolen Device Protection

Stolen Device Protection offers increased safety for your private info if someone steals your iPhone and its passcode. Here's how to use it.

www.cultofmac.com/844215/stolen-device-protection

Oscar magnet Killers of the Flower Moon returns to theaters for Apple victory lap

Apple and Paramount Pictures partner to put the acclaimed film back in more than 1,000 theaters January 24 for a limited run.

www.cultofmac.com/844199/oscar-magnet-killers-of-the-flower-moon-returns-to-theaters-for-apple-victory-lap

Today in Apple history: Sun Microsystems almost buys Apple

On January 25, 1996, rumors circulated that Sun Microsystems was in talks to acquire the struggling Apple, then worth just $3.89 billion.

www.cultofmac.com/463947/today-in-apple-history-sun-microsystems-almost-buys-apple

Tweetz o’ the day

— # (#)

One more thing ...

❝

Cingular doesn't want to see their West Coast network go down because some application messed up.

— Steve Jobs in 2007, on why the first iPhone didn’t allow third-party apps.

Today’s poll

How do you feel about sideloading iPhone apps?

Results from yesterday’s poll: When did you get your first Mac?

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